docutech

I found a good deal on a 2004 E500. It is equipped with all the standard features as well as the 320 Entertainment Package, the 322 Appearance Package, panorama sunroof, heated seats and Keyless Go. This is the 5.0L V8.
The car has a clean Carfax history, it is a 1 owner car and after looking at it this evening, it is in pristine shape. It currently has 57,000 miles on it and a sticker price of $32,999

I would like some feedback on this vehicle from anyone who has or currently owns one of these automobiles. Pros/Cons I am open to your opinions. Being out of warranty raises many questions so if anyone had problems after the initial warranty expired, I would like to hear from you as well.

Thank you!

john doe iii

The price is right... but the warranty isn't. I could never purchase a Benz with out warranty on it. You will have more headaches than joy. Just my .02

thegeneraltso

i agree. there is so many electronics in this car (i.e. keyless go, dynamic seats ect.) to not at least have some sort of original warranty (not the extended one) so you can sort it out.

there are many '04s out there with at least 1 year of original warranty left. i think someone here bought an '04 wagon with low mile from an audi dealer. do research and you will find your golden car.

Kar don

these vehicles can still be good out of warranty. If you like the car and it still feels solid, go for it.

jangy

I lemoned mine. I really recommend an extended warranty, or you can be looking at many costly repairs between now and 100K miles. Other than that, it is a great ride.

WEBSRFR

The price seems reasonable but the car has a lot of miles. Given the high mileage, I'd try to negotiate the sale price for as close to 30K as possible and invest about 4K on a good warranty that covers everything, including the electronics. You'll have the car you want and peace of mind. Given the high mileage, you should tryt to know 1-2K off the price of that car and put that towards a warranty.

Benz-O-Rama

I can't STRESS enough that you're gonna need the warranty. I have basically the same car and while it's been good, there have been minor annoying niggles that needed to be addressed including the dynamic seats, noisy HVAC blower motor and a blown xenon headlamp. While none of these problems were major, they would've been VERY expensive to have repaired out of warranty.

Get a warranty. No if's, and's or but's about it.

starbrite

Ditto to all of the above. You don't mention the part of the country you're located in...that does affect price.
Or if this is from an MB dealer or not.

A quick check on Edmunds shows a dealer retail @ $36k and a private party retail @ $33.9.
So, as it stands the sticker price is no great deal that I'd jump on.
As others have stated, $30k + buy warranty.

lkchris

If it doesn't have NAV or Zenon headlights and you want them, just know it's expensive to add them later. Perhaps better to find the car that has what you want.

BTW, the likely most troublesome thing will be SBC brakes, and they're NOT out of warranty. Emissions stuff is warranted 8yr/80K miles, too.

docutech

Thanks for all the responses!
Wow, never thought the warranty would be such a great issue. Since it was a one owner car (leased) I thought that any and all problems would have surfaced by now. However, as it stands now there are no major entries in the service history. This further increased my skepticism and made me wonder that if something DID go wrong I would be responsible for the repairs.

I am negotiating with the sales manager.

Barry45RPM

The Bi Xenon lights are the greatest headlights I have ever driven with period. Nav and Satellite are soooooo good. Maybe try to find a car w/ Nav & Bi Xenons.

starbrite

Hey Barry...another 2 posts and you'l have a YAMM !!

WEBSRFR

Given the mileage, don't pay more than 30K for that car so you will have about 3-4K additional for a warranty. If they say no, walk away and you'll likely find another car with similar options and less miles for about the same price.